![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![Model Broderick Hunter On Self-Worth & Why He Champions For Black Women](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTYwNDg3My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc1ODEwMzczM30.BbhjNBm8EKhLMBwBs3R4g2SH4EMvavUNyxI3EcdB2zQ/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C73%2C0%2C595)
Model Broderick Hunter On Self-Worth & Why He Champions For Black Women
If you've ever wanted to see what #BlackBoyJoy looks like in the flesh, look no further than model and actor Broderick Hunter.
One scroll down his Twitter and Insta feed will not only have you craving chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it will leave you refreshed by his authenticity, humility, and humor. With a career that boasts walking runways and securing campaigns for some of fashion's biggest names, to starring in hit shows on television, Broderick is definitely one to watch for.
Back in Cali and fresh off a flight from New York, he is at ease and light-hearted in our meeting. It didn't take long for the conversation to smoothly transition from a formal interview to a talk between old friends. We converse and banter as if we've known each other for years and it's immediately clear to see why he's maintained longevity in his career and in the industry. Broderick is genuine and purposeful in everything he says and does. He doesn't hold back or spare the truth. He's true to himself, no matter what it looks like or how it may come off to others, something he says he's mastered seemingly since birth.
"I've always been a real organic type of person. I've never tried to put up facades. I don't like to tell people what they want to hear. I've always been a real person, that's just how I've been my entire life," he explained. "When my career started going and I got into modeling, it just kind of translated into that. It just never really changed. When people gravitate towards me, they always say how carefree and wild I am so I try to carry that over into my regular life and my 'celebrity' life."
Broderick Hunter/Instagram
And while others may feel the need to alter their personality once they've reached a certain level of success, Broderick definitely knows better. The 6'2'' Cali native has learned a thing or two about keeping his self-worth in tact. He knows that it's not just what you do in this world that matters, but who you are and who you become in the process. Being in the industry for almost 10 years, he's fully aware of how important it is to keep your character and integrity intact.
"I'm not a product of what I do and my success, I'm a product of the type of person I am. My parents have always taught me to just be a good person, you know? You could be flat broke but if you're a good person, you'll always have love and support. So I always lead with that foot first. Sometimes I feel, in this industry, people don't really know how to separate what they do from who they are."
"I'm not a product of what I do and my success, I'm a product of the type of person I am."
"We're in an era of microwave success now where a lot of great things are happening to people very quickly. You can upload a video tomorrow and then any of these major pop stars can come up on it and next thing you know, you're walking the red carpet at the VMAs. That's how quick things can happen."
Though he's definitely not mad at newcomers who have forged their way into the spotlight, he understands that the rules of the game have changed. He warns however, that while social media can aid in your success, it can also make you miss steps that help build and keep you grounded when you go through the trenches, which is something he knows firsthand. Broderick's journey was one that was met with rejection and resistance early on. In another interview with Bold TV, he makes mention of the fact that various industry insiders were very apprehensive in considering him for campaigns and shows. They cited his athletic build, his dark skin, and the fact that he was a black male as reasons why he wouldn't be a good fit.
Looking back, he sees that ultimately it all worked out for the better as he has been able to continuously amass a great level of success despite the naysayers. Nowadays, he likes to use his social media platforms as a tool to engage with his followers and fans, something that he says is done on purpose.
"I have to use social media now to bring my brand to where it is, but it's a tool for me. Social media is a tool not lifeline for me. I'm all for the way the industry is going now, it's a lot more entertaining. You're able to get an idea of who people are before you ever meet them," he said. "That's not to say that's EXACTLY who they are but you can gauge their personality from what they post and everything. I really feel like opening up and being personable with people has really helped my brand get to where it is. It allows people to know that I'm a real person, I'm a regular person."
And personable he is. The minute you find yourself on Broderick's Twitter page, you become instantly intrigued and invested in his interactions with women and you may find yourself getting gassed up by him on anything from your edges to your melanin to your makeup. That's because for him, championing and hyping up black women specifically is something he stans for. Early on before modeling and acting caught his eye, the black women in his life had it first. He credits everything he's learned to black women, from hair-care, skin-care, self-care, and the like.
He says that he realized the value they brought into his life at a young age and made it a point to uplift, revere, and adore black women openly and without shame. And in an industry that likes to celebrate features akin to ours and not us, he believes that it's not only important but very necessary.
"I've always campaigned for black women because I saw early on the value that they had, not only in my life but the value they brought to the world. As I started to grow up and through my basketball stages and everything, I value and appreciate all women, but black women were always important to me. I've seen how they've helped me grow and the things that they've taught me. Everything I know, I've learned from black women."
"Everything I know, I've learned from black women."
He continued, "In my career, I started to see how devalued the black woman was and how much they were not celebrated the way I celebrated them. So I made it a point to always campaign for what I believe in and I've always believed in the rights, the love, and the information that a black woman has to offer. I really push for that because I want people to have the same experience I had and see the things I see in black women and what they can do. So, when I got to the point in my career where I felt like I really had a voice that would echo, I made it a point to love and support black women. I love to gas my sisters."
And it's pretty safe to say that his sisters love him. Amidst crazy comments and DMs from those who try to do the absolute most vying for his attention, when it comes to dating he says all he's really looking for is someone who knows how to hold their own. A humble woman who is secure in herself and has things going for herself. Someone who's not looking to attach themselves to him for clout's sake, but someone who's interested in building together.
"Obviously looks attract but when it comes to dating I look for reciprocity. Beauty doesn't impress me anymore. I look for inner qualities like how she was raised, how she treats other people, and if she has fashion sense because I don't mind my girl dressing me. And if she can throw down in the kitchen that's a plus too."
All I have to say is, where do I sign up?
For more on Broderick, keep up with him on Instagram.
Featured image by Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
- INTERVIEW WITH BRODERICK HUNTER | British Slang ... ›
- MODEL SPOTLIGHT — A BOOK OF ›
- Interview with Broderick Hunter | Amarie Cassidy | Trailer - YouTube ›
- Intimate and Insightful, These Shaving Interviews for Bevel Explore ... ›
- Male Model: Broderick Hunter | Sola Rey ›
- Broderick Hunter (@BroderickHunter) | Twitter ›
Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
The Common Denominator Is You. So, Why Do You Keep Choosing The Wrong Men?
Everywhere you go, there you are. It’s one of those popular sayings (kind of like “It is what it is”) that I find myself using a lot, especially when I’m in sessions with my clients. Why? Well, it’s kind of likean article that I once read that pretty much said our culture likes to play the toxic game of blaming other people because it’s an easy way to deflect from personal accountability (check out “What It Actually Means To 'Hold Yourself Accountable'”). So true, so true,
Well, another way of saying “everywhere you go, there you are” is using the math term “common denominator” — and today, what we’re going to attempt to tackle is, why is it that some of us, if we stepped back a moment to take a very real and honest assessment of our dating life, do we always end up with the same kind of guy? One who really isn’t the best for us; sometimes, not even close.
Before getting into some questions that I think can help you get to the answer, let me just say that this is definitely one of the kinds of pieces that may step on at least your pinky toe before it’s all said and done. At the same time, although this might not be the most comfortable of reads, keep in mind what the late poet, singer, and publisher Tuli Kupferberg once said, “When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.”
And so, if when it comes to the caliber of men you’ve dated, what you’ve been doing is revealing that your pattern is not really working for your ultimate good, spend a bit of time trying to unpack just why that could be the case — why, at the end of the day, you truly are the common denominator in it all.
How Self-Aware Are You?
About five years ago, I penned an article for the site entitled “These Are The Things Self-Aware People Do Daily.” You know, of all of the things to be in this life, prioritizing self-awareness is king because self-aware people do things like hold themselves accountable, know their strengths and weaknesses, identify their triggers, have good boundaries, self-reflect, pay attention to their own “blind spots” — and they can — eh hem — take feedback and constructive criticism pretty well.
That last one? If you’re constantly in a hamster wheel or even a cul-de-sac when it comes to men, be honest with yourself: did your family, friends, hell, even your co-workers warn you about some of the guys you dated, and you found yourself either defending, deflecting or getting offended? Yeah, self-aware people don’t get down like that because they would rather have peace and be wrong than act like they are always right and remain in chaos.
So yeah, if you’re always in some foolishness or even in relationships that are simply a counterproductive waste of time, pondering how self-aware you actually are is a really good place to start. Self-reflect. Know your weaknesses. Listen to what others have to say about your tendencies. All of this can do you a whole lot of good.
How Humble Are You?
Society is a wild place, boy. The reason why I say that is because, while it’s out here acting like humility is a bad thing, Scripture says, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) And why is humility such a vital spiritual attribute? Because, when you’re humble — you’re grateful; you’re teachable; you’re open to seeing things outside of your own perspective; you’re compassionate and empathetic; you’re flexible; you’re forgiving, and you’re able to release your ego so that you can accept what you need over what you want.
What you need over what you want. Chile, if that doesn’t keep some people in cyclic stuff, I honestly don’t know what does. There’s a client that I have right now who only contacts me when she’s basically blown up her life because she constantly gets caught up in a man’s looks and bedroom performance. When I tell her that she needs to stop making that #1 and #2 of things to look for in a relationship, she “uh-huh's” me and then does what she wants to do anyway — only for it to end up wreaking all sorts of havoc…again.
It’s another message for another time about how some of us could stand to look within to see if wanting a fine man above all else is more about validating some deep-rooted insecurities that we have about our own looks (ouch). For now, I’ll just say that if your ego is out here telling you that looks and sexual performance should trump things like character and consistency, it is LYING to you. If you chose to heed the humble side of yourself, you would know that.
And this actually brings me to my next question.
How Stuck Are You in Your “Type”?
The reason why I wrote “According To Experts, We All Have A ‘Type’” back in the day is because it’s true — pretty much all of us have a type which is pretty much a preference; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that either. At the same time, I’m advising, from very up close and personal experience, that it’s a good idea to spend some time pondering “the origin story” of where your type came from.
Me? I’m always gonna be down for a very tall, hella chocolate, basketball (or soccer) build Black man. However, I’m a sexual abuse survivor and my molester looked a lot like that, so during the healing process of what he did to me, I had to factor in his influence. Plus, my first love also fits the physical mold and he definitely had quite an impact on my life. So…see what I mean? My type didn’t just come out of nowhere. Yes, sometimes your type may have some trauma or drama attached to it. And yes, that might be really uncomfortable to think about; still, that doesn’t mean it’s not true.
Now my late fiancé? He was right at about 6’ and, complexion-wise, he was lighter than I am. He treated me better than most of the men of my past, though — and even though he definitely pursued me for a while to get me to consider us beyond being friends, because I took a risk outside of my type, I learned what it was like to be loved in a healthy way. And what that did for me was it taught me to remain open outside of my standard type. I still like a tall-ass Godiva man, chile (and don’t let him have a beard and be in a tailored suit!). I don’t limit myself to that package, though. To do so would be severely limiting — potentially tragic even.
How Healed Are You?
“Healed” is a word that comes up A LOT in the social media space. When it comes to relationships, specifically, it’s important to ask yourself if you are healed from your past because, if you aren’t, you very well could be reliving it over and over…and over again, whether you realize it (or choose to accept it) or not.
Just so that we’re all on the same page, the word “heal” means things like healthy, sound, and whole. Synonyms for the word include improve, restore, mend, soothe, and rehabilitate. Signs that you have healed from past hurts of a relationship (or a series of relationships) include you don’t think of them with anger or bitterness; you can see the silver linings from the experience; you’ve forgiven them for things that they did wrong (or that simply hurt you — and no, that’s not always one and the same), and you don’t pick (or avoid) other people to be in your life solely based on what someone else did to you.
What I mean by that last one is an unhealed woman may say something like, “I don’t want to do [such and such] for a first date. That’s what my ex liked to do.” The new guy isn’t him, so why does he have to be beholden to your past? Or, “I don’t trust men who won’t let me go through their phone. That’s how I found out my ex was cheating.” You know, for all of the women who like to play a non-animated form ofInspector Gadget (the real ones know), they sure don’t want their phones inspected as much as they like to do all of the inspecting. SMDH. Anyway, I don’t go through phones. For what? I don’t pay the bill and I’m not anyone’s parent. And so, your next guy not preferring it either? That doesn’t automatically mean that he’s up to no good — he may just want his boundaries respected. An unhealed person may not accept that. A healed one tends to, though.
And how can being unhealed play a direct role in you choosing the same guys over and over again? It’s weird because, sometimes you will go back to what’s familiar to you — because the new guy is such a risk, you’d prefer to “stick to the devil you know” than take a chance on someone who rolls very differently. It’s a cryptic way of remaining the common denominator in your dating dynamics. Oh, but it happens all of the time, chile.
What Makes a Man WRONG for You? Specifically?
Okay, with a lot of the inner work out of the way, how do you even come to the conclusion that someone (or several people) is wrong for you? Because you know what? Once you’ve done some real healing (and serious maturing), you can oftentimes find yourself accepting the fact that just because someone may not be right for you, that doesn’t automatically or necessarily make them a bad person. No, not at all.
Although the word “wrong” can mean that something or someone isn’t morally right, wrong also means things like erroneous, not suitable or appropriate, not in accordance with certain requirements, or — and please catch it — out of order (which sometimes consists of the right thing happening at the wrong time). So, if it does seem like you keep choosing (because it is always a choice; that is also where accountability comes in) men who aren’t appropriate, aren’t in accordance with your needs or standards, or who aren’t what you need at the time — why is that? Is it rooted in fear? Impatience? Settling? What?
I have had enough clients go through this to know that it’s not good enough to be abstract about someone being “wrong” for you. You need to set aside one weekend, get some wine and a fresh journal, and really get into what wrong looks like. For instance, if you keep lowering your standards (which is the wrong thing to do, by definition), why is that? Because no matter how wrong the guy may ultimately turn out to be, what you have to be willing to accept is — again — you chose him. Why do you choose what’s wrong? Because, more times than not, some red (or at least orange) flags were waving long before the relationship came crashing down; oftentimes, they reveal themselves within the first couple of dates. You just chose to ignore them.
One more.
Do You Know a Good Man When You See One? You Sure?
As we close all of this out, when you get a chance, please check out “Question: Is The Man In Your Life Good 'TO' You? Good 'FOR' You? Or...Both?” Learning the difference between “to” and “for” took my own relational processing to an entirely new and freeing level. And you know what? Back to the healing point, another way to know that you’ve healed is you don’t generalize men. Meaning, that if you’re out here declaring that there aren’t any good ones, that’s not true; you’re just jaded (I mean, it’s the truth), and that head and energy space is affecting your judgment and perspective.
That said, if you’re constantly selecting the wrong men, ask yourself if you even know what a good man looks like (cue India.Arie’s “Good Man”). Again, by definition, good means things like morally excellent, right, kind, friendly, benevolent, educated, financially sound (not rich, stable and responsible…goodness), genuine, reliable, dependable, responsible, attractive, warm, intimate — satisfactory to the purpose (yes, that’s a literal definition).
For a man to be good for you, you need to know what purpose he is to serve at this particular point in your life because if, for example, all men seem to do, in your eyes, is use you for sex, why are you prioritizing sex over an emotional connection if the latter is the purpose that you seek right now? A lot of women can stop being the common denominator when it comes to choosing the wrong man if they 1) become the good that they seek and 2) do not betray the purpose behind why they even desire a relationship in the first place.
____
I know. When things aren’t going your way when it comes to matters of the heart, it can be easy to always say it’s the man’s fault. If there’s a pattern, though, please be a bit more self-reflective than that.
Once you do, you’d be amazed by how much about you shifts — to where the wrong guys can’t even get close to you, in the way that they used to, anymore.
Because you cease to be the “common denominator” you once were.
And how wonderful is that?
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by PeopleImages/Getty Images